Frequently Asked Questions

Why join Interserve?

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others. (African Proverb)

Why Interserve?

Interserve, having built foundations from the 1850s, has great experience and has grown into a diverse international community. Many are drawn to Interserve for various reasons, such as:

Interserve’s heart for the least reached

Interserve’s wholistic approach to ministry

Sensitivity towards the local context and church, manifesting in a ‘locally-led’ approach in recognition of different environments

Interserve’s assistance in transitioning to a new culture and language

The structure and level of accountability and of pastoral, practical, medical and financial care

It’s important to serve with a missions organisation that is a good fit for you. We would love to chat with you about partnering with Interserve or help you connect with another organisation.

What is wholistic mission?

Wholistic mission (also called ‘integral’ mission) embraces the whole context of the individuals and communities where we serve – including practical, relational, environmental and spiritual aspects of life. We seek to be and to make whole-life disciples, care for creation and intentionally bear witness to the whole character of God in all we do and say. Read more about how we work.

Our Partners work in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in countries whose peoples are primarily Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists. This is sometimes called the 10/40 Window because it refers to the area between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. We also work in other countries where there are significant groups of migrants from these areas.

Who is Interserve accountable to?

Interserve is accountable at Board level to the National Council, State committees of the Fellowship, its partners, team supporters, donors and interested friends, through proper maintenance of annually audited books and records. Our Financial Statements are audited annually, and annual reports are available upon request.

Interserve Australia is registered with and accountable to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Interserve is a member of Missions Interlink and the international Micah Network. Interserve Australia is a child safe organisation.

Interserve Australia is governed by a board, elected from the membership (see Organisation). As a Christian mission, Interserve recognises the need to also be accountable to the Lord and to people like you, who pray and give.

I don’t feel called to serve overseas. How can I support Interserve?

There are a range of ways you can support Interserve’s work.

Prayer: Above all, we depend on the sustaining grace of God. For prayer needs, see Prayer.

Team Support: Get behind a Partner or On Tracker with prayer, relational, practical and financial support. For more information, see Team Support.

Give financially: You can support the work of Interserve by giving a donation or contributing regularly.

CultureConnect: Interserve works in Australia bridging the gap between the church and ethnic minority groups. Serve cross-culturally in your area.

Volunteer: There are a range of opportunities to offer your time and skills to Interserve.

How does Interserve work?

Interserve ensures that our cross-cultural workers are well-supported and placed in appropriate opportunities to love and serve God’s people in Asia and the Arab world.

What is a Partner? Why does Interserve use this term?

A Partner is a long-term cross-cultural worker committed to wholistic service alongside the global church. Partners have a minimum 2 year commitment to their term of service.

We use the term ‘Partner’ for our workers because it reflects our practice of being Partners with the local people in work, play, housing and almost every aspect of life. The term ‘Partner’ also expresses the nature of the worker’s relationship with the global Interserve fellowship. There is a shared commitment in purpose, in values and to each other.

On Track provides the opportunity to explore longer-term cross-cultural mission placement by undertaking a short-term placement. It is an opportunity to explore God’s track for your life. ‘Short-term’ can be anything from 6 weeks to 2 years.

Interserve Australia’s CultureConnect is actively involved in Christian ministry amongst people of minority backgrounds and its goal is to help the Australian church engage in cross-cultural ministry within local communities. Such ministry is a part of Interserve’s international strategic focus.

We’re doing this through five main focuses: giving vision, networking, resourcing, training and connection/placement.

The largest number of our Partners are supported by the financial gifts of individuals and interested organisations. Some or our Partners earn a salary for the work they do. A few have an independent means of support. For more information, see our Team Support page.

How long do Partners serve?

Partners serve for varying lengths of time, some for over 30 years! To apply as a Partner requires a commitment to more than 2 years. Our experience indicates that a commitment of 6 or more years results in an effective sustained impact in the communities where we serve.

Most Partners invest 1–2 years in language study before starting a full time ministry position, and return to Australia for a 4–6 ‘Home Assignment’ once every 3 years.

Which professions are the easiest to place?

Medical professionals, engineers, administrators, teachers, community development workers and many other professionals and skilled tradespeople can find a placement.

You just need to be over the age of 18. Through Interserve and CultureConnect, people of many ages can make a wonderful contribution in cross-cultural mission. If you are passionate about using your skills to serve others, committed to sharing your faith in word and action, then contact us to discuss the opportunities.

Interserve Australia

Interserve is a community of ordinary Christians putting faith into action. We live and work among the most marginalised peoples of the Arab world and Asia.

Motivated by Christ’s heart of compassion, and in partnership with His church, we share our skills and experience to change tomorrow by what we do today.